Review: Subaru GE/GH Impreza (2007-11)

Overview

The Subaru GH Impreza hatchback was released in September 2007, with the GE sedan following in December 2008. The Subaru GH and GE Impreza were powered by 2.0-litre horizontally opposed (or flat) four-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, the latter with a sequential shift function (Subaru’s ‘Sportshift’). For both sedan and hatch bodies, the Impreza range consisted of 2.0i R, 2.0i RX and 2.0i RS variants.

In June 2010, the Impreza range was expanded with the ‘crossover’ XV variant. Based on the GH Impreza hatchback body, the Impreza XV had a 30 mm higher ride height (at 185 mm) and could be identified by its unique grille, bumpers, roof rails, rear spoiler and wheel arch extensions.;

EJ204 engine

For the GE/GH Impreza, the EJ204 engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy cylinder block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head with cross-flow cooling, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder actuated by roller rocker arms, Subaru’s ‘Active Valve Control System’ (AVCS) which provided variable intake valve timing, and a compression ratio of 10.2:1.

Compared to the GD/GG Impreza , changes for the EJ204 engine included elmination of the secondary air system, newly designed intake ports, a revised combustion chamber shape and a tandem catalytic converter exhaust layout.

Dimensions

Relative to the GD Impreza , the GE Impreza sedan was 115 mm longer (at 4580 mm), the same width (1740 mm), 35 mm taller (1475 mm) and had a 95 mm longer wheelbase (2620 mm). Relative to the sedans, the GH Impreza hatches were 165 mm shorter (at 4415 mm), though the other measurements were unchanged.

Suspension

The GE and GH Imprezas had MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension, while the bodyshell was stiffer due to the increased use of high tensile steel, reinforced joints and framed door windows.

AWD systems

The Subaru GE/GH Impreza was available with two different all-wheel drive (AWD) systems according to transmission type:

• Models with manual transmissions were fitted with Subaru’s ‘Continuous’ AWD system which utilised a viscous-coupling locking centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front/rear torque distribution. If traction was lost, however, up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the opposing axle.
• Models with automatic transmissions were fitted with an ‘Active Torque Split’ system which consisted of an electronically-controlled, hydraulic multi-plate transfer clutch (instead of the centre differential). In normal conditions, the system provided an 80:20 front/rear torque split but sensors – measuring wheel slippage, throttle position and braking – could anticipate a loss of front-wheel traction and transfer torque to the rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru GE and GH Impreza included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the R and RX were also fitted with active front head restraints, though the RS missed out. Manual versions were also fitted with hill start assist to prevent the car from rolling backwards on take-off.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2007 Impreza hatch received a five star adult occupant protection rating occupant protection rating with a score of 34.66 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious lower leg injury for the front occupants. Furthermore, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver in the side impact test.

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2009 Impreza hatch received a four star safety rating which included an 84 per cent adult occupant protection rating, a 73 per cent child occupant protection rating and a 57 per cent safety assist rating; the low safety assist rating reflected the fact that electronic stability control was not fitted as standard in European markets. In the pole test, high rib deflections indicated poor chest protection. Furthermore, protection against whiplash injury was rated as marginal.

Features: Impreza R, RX, XV and RS

Standard features for the Subaru GE/GH Impreza R included a four speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3/WMA-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, map lights, vanity mirror, 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser; hatchbacks were also fitted with 60/40 split and folding rear seats and a rear cargo blind. From February 2009, the R variant was fitted with alloy wheels as standard.

The Impreza RX was further equipped with 16-inch twelve-spoke alloy wheels with 205/55 R17 89V Yokohama tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, front fog lamps and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift; from February 2009, the RX featured a power sunroof. The XV was similarly equipped to the RX but omitted the RX’s sunroof and was fitted with unique sports bucket seats with mocha accents, a USB input and Bluetooth connectivity.

Compared to the RX, the Impreza RS was distinguished by its added 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 Yokohama tyres, sports bucket seats, privacy glass, bodykit with rear diffuser and mesh grille.

Impreza 2.0i XV Mizuno

In January 2011, the Impreza 2.0i XV Mizuno was released. Compared to the standard XV, the Mizuno edition added a Garmin satellite navigation unit, bonnet and headlight protectors, roof cross bars, a cargo tray, carpet mats and a roof carrier system. Visually, the XV Mizuno could be identified by its Paprika Red paint finish.

Brochures

• Brochure: Subaru GH Impreza XV (July 2010)
• Brochure: Subaru GE/GH Impreza (February 2011)

Related links

• Subaru News: Impreza Reaches New Heights With XV (June 2010)
• Subaru News: Impreza XV’s Spicy Special (January 2011)
• Wikipedia.org: Subaru GE/GH Impreza